Sydney Olympic were defeated 2-1 by 1st place Blacktown City at home in Belmore Sports Ground after a cagey affair in the 11th round of the NPL NSW.
The loss means Olympic remain on 16 points and drop down one place to fifth, one point away from the top four.
The first half was a very hard-fought affair with both teams defending strongly and preventing any real goal scoring opportunities.
The best chance of the half came in just the 2nd minute after a cross-field pass found Olympic winger Adam Parkhouse who had his shot at goal deflected wide for a corner. Both teams went into the break goalless and with a need to show more attacking threat.
The second period started much as the first one ended, with both teams defending well. Then, in the 58th minute, the match sprang to life when Blacktown defender Lachlan Campbell gave his side the lead, scoring with a fierce header from a corner.
The home side began to show more fight after conceding though still struggled to create good chances. Olympic managed to equalise in the 70th minute, after midfielder Hagi Gligor’s pass found Jason Madonis outside the box who struck a left-footed long shot past goalkeeper Tristan Prendergast.
Blacktown forward Travis Major won a penalty for his side in the 80th minute after he was pushed in the box by Olympic defender Thomas Whiteside. Major stepped up for his side and buried the penalty into the top left corner, restoring Blacktown’s lead.
The away side were able to maintain control for the rest of the match and hand Olympic their fifth loss of the season.
The Blues’ next fixture is on Sunday 16 May where they will face traditional rivals Sydney United at Sydney United Sports Centre.